NRL Team Lists – Round 4 (Updated)

The upsets continued last weekend, and following the trend of the season, so did the injuries. This means plenty of changes for this week’s games, so check out your side’s Ins and Outs, and for you Dream Team coaches, check the status of your star players!

Adrian Considers: Young Broncos fullback Josh Hoffman is out, with Beale moving from the wing to take his spot at the back. Big out for the Panthers, with Luke Walsh missing for the week. Tahu is the X-Factor on the bench, but going by last week’s efforts, he wont be at his best for a while yet.

Matt Considers: Josh Hoffman drops out with a shin cork for the Broncos, but his place will be taken by Gerard Beale, who was very good replacing Hoffman after the injury occurred last week. For the Panthers, Tahu joins an extended bench with a massive loss in Luke Walsh. New halfback Kevin Kingston is only really filling the hole there, but will probably struggle without the proper support outside him.

Adrian Considers: Good to see Sam Burgess return to the line up for Souths, bolstering the much forgotten right edge of the Rabbitohs attack. While the left gets all the headlines, Burgess and Farrell aren’t too shabby either. Manly could have unearthed a superstar centre in Will Hopoate, and with co-captain Lyon joining him on the field, the Sea Eagles’ back line looks incredibly dangerous.

Matt Considers: A couple of big Ins in both sides, but we will start with Souths. Burgess is back at Redfern, and after their showing last week this could signal the start of a good run. Unfortunately Pettybourne is suspended, but his hole is well filled. For Manly, co-captain and international centre Jamie Lyon is the big in, with youngster Michael Oldfield making way.

Adrian Considers: The Raiders have gone with the more conservative 5-man bench this week, as opposed to last week’s MEGABENCH. The battle between the forwards will be pivotal in this game. Ash Harrison is a big loss for the Titans, who can’t afford missing any more key players. Good to see bloodnut superstar Brad Meyers on the extended bench again, hopefully he can grab some game time.

Matt Considers: A big loss for the Titans, with hard-working lock Ashley Harrison succumbing to a hamstring problem. His place is taken by 21-year-old Ben Ridge, who has 4 NRL games to his name from last year. Also returning is big skinhead prop Matt White, who pushes Michael Henderson to the bench. Some big changes to the Raiders pack, with Tilse coming into the starting line-up and TLL dropping out after being out muscled and outplayed by Big Red Keith Galloway last week. Josh Miller and Danny Galea come onto the bench as well, with Joe Picker injuring his ankle.

Adrian Considers: Some big names returning for the Eels. Reddy finally gets a crack at FG in 2011, while Mitchell, Allgood and Webb come onto the bench. This is shaping to be a slightly better Parramatta outfit than the one which ran out onto ANZ Stadium last week. No changes in Cowboy land, with Coach Henry obviously pleased with his sides’ efforts against the Storm.

Matt Considers: Some big changes at the Eels, with Joel Reddy returning for his first start of the year after Chris Walker again injured himself. Elsewhere, Anthony Mitchell comes into the squad on the bench, with Matt Keating being promoted to start at hooker, whilst Fui Fui copped a one week ban, allowing Carl Webb to make his Eels debut against his old club. The Cowboys are unchanged after an impressive home win over the Storm.

Adrian Considers: Changes ahoy! Some big moves here with implications for both Dream Team and the actual game itself. “The Fish” finds himself at fullback (which I don’t think is a fantastic move but hey, I’m not Ivan Cleary), while a new look centre pairing of Mannering and Berrigan will take the park. The 2nd Row obviously wasn’t working for Mateo, so let’s see what he can do at 5/8. Not surprisingly, the Sharks are unchanged… If you had money on a North Queensland/Cronulla Quinella, then you’d be pretty happy right about now!

Matt Considers: Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has finally bitten the bullet and axed regulars Lance Hohaia, Joel Moon and Brett Seymour from the side in a shock move. There is also plenty of movement within the side, with Feliti Mateo going to five-eighth, James Maloney to halfback, Shaun Berrigan and Simon Mannering to the centres and Ukuma ‘Pad’ Ta’ai getting a start in the back row. The Sharks are unchanged after another shock win over the Panthers, with Dean Collis and Taulima Tautai joining an extended bench.

Adrian Considers: My my, the Knights have been hit hard by injury so early on in the season. Gidley at No. 6 is a perfectly understandable move, with more depth currently in the fullback role. Hopefully all 17 players make it through this one, otherwise Matty and Joey might be getting the call up! Pretty standard stuff from the Dragons, opting to go with the 6-man bench, just one shy of the illusive MEGABENCH.

Matt Considers: Injuries galore at the Knights, but luckily for them inspirational captain Kurt Gidley returns in the halves for Beau Henry, whilst Mad Dog Adam MacDougall returns to the back-line. Shannon McDonnell hasn’t been named, but is still a chance to play despite a heavy concussion. The Dragons haven’t lost anyone, but they have gained representative back-rower Beau Scott to be, minus Michael Weyman, at full strength.

Adrian Considers: While injuries have hit the Tigers hard, there’s still some handy talent replacing their regular starters. Mitch Brown slots onto the wing, while Moltzen gets a starting spot in the centres. Alan Schirnack starts in the 2nd Row, with Jacob Miller at No. 7. For the Roosters, Mitch Aubusson was lucky to escape suspension, but finds himself in the centres, which will seriously reduce his scoring potential in DT. Also, give Tom Symonds a run!

Matt Considers: The Tigers are reeling after injuries have decimated their side. The left side of Lawrence and Tuqiri are both out, as is form halfback Rob Lui. Former Roosters youngster Jacob Miller is set to make his debut, with Mitch Brown and Geoff Daniela coming into the side. Don’t be surprised to see Miller start off the bench, with Daniela starting in the centres and Tim Moltzen at halfback. The Roosters are also missing some backs, with Perrett suffering a broken ankle, and Kane Linnett missing as well.

Adrian Considers: There should be plenty of changes in the Storm side named, as Matt will outline next. Sika Manu will be missed though, as he was beginning to find some form once again. The Dogs add Chris Armit to their bench, while Frank Pritchard and Mickey Paea will start.

Matt Considers: The Bulldogs are unchanged after an impressive performance last week against the Roosters, with just Chris Armit added to an extended bench. Sika Manu is looking at a lengthy stint on the sidelines after injuring a previously broken leg, with Adam Woolnough coming onto the bench. Despite this, Dane Nielsen (concussion) and Kevin Proctor (face) are in serious doubt after being injured in their Monday night loss to the Cowboys.